Sidekicked

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
Sidekicked Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Smart coming-of-age tale costumed as superhero adventure.

John David Anderson Adventure 2013
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Sidekicked contains several action-packed fighting scenes, given that it's a novel about superheroes and villains. It has some heavy themes and grapples with questions of morality and consequences. A former superhero has become a pitiful alcoholic who's most often found occupying a barstool. The young teen hero uses his special talent to cheat on a test, eavesdrop on a mentor, and help a friend try to pick up girls. He later steals cars while trying to save someone in danger. He's uncomfortable with lying to his parents to protect his secret identity.

Community Reviews

mifl
mifl Adult
December 10, 2018
age 9+
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What's the Story?

Andrew Bean is in the most exclusive club at school: H.E.R.O., a secret program to train superhero sidekicks. Drew has extraordinary senses, but that's about it. His mentor, the Titan, is a reclusive legend too burdened by booze and misery to aid him. His best friend, Jenna, is oblivious to his timid romantic feelings. Then a prison break heralds the return of the Dealer, a villain thought to have been killed by the Titan years ago. As the Dealer and the three Jacks draw near, superheroes begin to disappear, and their sidekicks are in peril. Drew desperately tries to rouse the Titan -- to help himself, even if he won't help anyone else. Left fumbling on his own, Drew begins doubting his loyalties as the line between good and bad blurs.
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Is It Any Good?

SIDEKICKED is a terrific addition to the kid-living-a-fantastic-double-life genre, delivering plenty of action while deftly exploring themes of morality, loyalty, identity, and consequences. John David Anderson maintains suspense with unpredictable twists and turns, narrating with 13-year-old Drew's wry voice. Already plagued with self-doubt, Drew is let down by his hero and should-be mentor, a friend, and even his clueless parents, who do all they can for him based on what little they know.
Author John David Anderson digs deep into the nature of good and evil and how the two can get confused. The Titan's fall delves into the importance of personal responsibility -- and the danger of taking it too far. And, of course, there's the question of what qualifies as true heroism.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about when the ends justify the means. Drew tries to justify using his power to spy on others, and he recruits another sidekick to help him steal a car during a rescue mission. Is Drew right to use his special skills in these situations?

  • Why do you think books about kids with unusual powers -- sorcery, superhero traits, supernatural abilities -- are so popular? Would this story still work if the teens were involved with, say, a junior police officer training program instead of H.E.R.O.?

  • One of the teens means well but follows the wrong path. Do you think the consequences are fitting?

Book Details

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